Turkish nurses' knowledge levels concerning complementary and alternative treatment methods: a cross-sectional interview survey

Abstract

Aim: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly used globally, although there is variability in nurses' knowledge and attitudes. This study was conducted to examine Turkish nurses' levels of knowledge of CAM methods. Methods: The research was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The study population consisted of all nurses (N = 1350) working in three hospitals in the province of Istanbul, Turkey, with an interview survey of 300 nurses working in these three hospitals conducted between February 2016 and January 2017. All data were collected by the authors at face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire containing 36 items investigating nurses' socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of CAM. The questionnaire was prepared by the authors based on the previous literature. p values <0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results: Nurses exhibited insufficient knowledge of CAM, with 81.3% not having received any training on the subject. Those who had received instruction about CAM learned about it during training and at scientific meetings. Nurses were most frequently aware of hydro/hot spring therapy, acupuncture, hypnosis, aromatherapy, color therapy, herbal medicine, herbal tea, massage, bioenergy, osteopathy, ozone therapy, vitamins, special diets, relaxation techniques/meditation, yoga, painting/music/art/dance therapy, and prayer. Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge levels concerning CAM were inadequate, and the great majority of nurses participating in the study had received no training on CAM. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.